Masonry Profile Clamp for Precise Horizontal Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Achieving precise horizontal alignments in masonry construction is challenging due to variations in brick sizes and mortar joint dimensions, requiring time-consuming and labor-intensive processes involving gauge rods and masonry cords, with manual measurements introducing subjectivity and variability.

Innovation Solution

A masonry profile clamp that attaches to a masonry profile, featuring an elongated body with a reference tool guide and securing bodies to securely hold a masonry reference tool, allowing easy placement and adjustment without additional measuring equipment, and enabling precise alignment through scale markings and a guiding slit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a gauge rod or layer strip is affixed to the masonry profile using nailing or screwing, then the reference tool can be securely attached to indicate brick and mortar spacing, but the process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive when relocation is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment of reference toolVSAvoidtime for reattachment during construction
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp features a movable clamping arm that can be quickly adjusted along the masonry profile and secured at different positions. This dynamic positioning capability allows the reference tool to be relocated efficiently without requiring complete removal and reattachment, thus reducing time loss while maintaining secure attachment at each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is divided into separable components including a clamping body, clamping arm, and reference tool holder. This segmentation allows the reference tool to be independently attached to the clamp, enabling quick attachment and detachment operations without affecting the clamp's attachment to the masonry profile, thereby reducing reattachment time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If manual measurement and marking of gauge rod dimensions is performed, then the reference tool can be customized to specific project requirements, but subjectivity and variability are introduced into the alignment process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization of reference dimensionsVSAvoidaccuracy of alignment markings
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp incorporates pre-marked scale indicators and measurement references on its body and clamping arm. These pre-established measurement markers provide accurate, standardized reference points for brick and mortar spacing, eliminating the need for manual measurement and marking while maintaining adaptability to different construction requirements through the ability to position the clamp at various locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the reference tool is frequently relocated on the profile, then alignment can be maintained at different heights, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment accuracy at different heightsVSAvoidconstruction speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp's movable clamping arm enables continuous adjustment along the masonry profile without requiring complete detachment. This dynamic repositioning capability allows the reference tool to be quickly moved to different heights and positions while maintaining secure attachment, thus preserving alignment accuracy while significantly improving construction productivity by reducing the labor and time required for relocation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4621163A1Masonry profile clamp for fixating a masonry reference tool
Publication Date: 2025.09.24 ELWECO BV
  • EP4621163A1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)
  • EP4621163A1 patent drawingFigure 1(b)
  • EP4621163A1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)

AI summary

Masonry profile clamp for fixating a masonry reference tool, the clamp comprising an elongated body comprising a first end having a first side portion transverse to the elongated body, and a second end having a second side portion transverse to the elongated body; a reference tool guide configured to receive the masonry reference tool, and guide the masonry reference tool relative to the clamp; a first securing body arranged at the first side portion, wherein the first securing body is configured to clamp the clamp onto the masonry profile between the second side portion and the first securing body; a second securing body arranged at the reference tool guide, the second securing body having an unlocking state, in which the masonry reference tool is moveable through the reference tool guide relative to the clamp, and a locking state, in which the masonry reference tool is fixable to the clamp.